A close-up shot of a baby in a tan and white striped onesie lying down and chewing on a light brown, textured silicone teething ring to soothe their gums.

January 8, 2017 Saskia Michele

The Baby Teething Guide: Myths, Facts & Soothing Secrets

Teething is one of those major parenting milestones that feels like a marathon. One day you have a happy, sleeping infant; the next, you have a tiny human trying to gnaw on the coffee table. While every baby’s timeline is unique—some sprout a tooth at 3 months while others stay "gummy" until their first birthday—the challenge of navigating the fussiness and drool is universal.

In this guide, we’re separating teething myths from facts to help you understand exactly what your little one is going through. We will be discussing how to identify true teething symptoms, the expected timeline for those first pearly whites, and safe, natural strategies to keep your baby comfortable during this transition.

1. Is it teething, or is it a virus?

It’s easy to blame everything on a new tooth, but knowing the difference between teething and illness is key.

Classic Teething Signs:

Excessive drooling (which can lead to a mild chin rash).
An intense need to chew on anything within reach.
Swollen, red, or slightly bruised-looking gums.
A very slight rise in temperature (usually under 100.4°F or 38°C).
Irritability, ear tugging (referred pain), and disrupted sleep.

Important Note: If your baby has a high fever, persistent diarrhea, or vomiting, don't assume it's teething. These are usually signs of a viral infection, and you should contact your pediatrician.

An extreme close-up of a baby's mouth showing the first two bottom milk teeth (lower central incisors) emerging from the gums, with a parent’s finger gently touching the chin.

2. Which teeth pop up first?

You can typically expect the lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) to make their debut first. These are followed closely by the upper central incisors. By age three, most children will have their full set of 20 primary teeth.

3. Why all the drool and "runny poos"?

Pediatric dentists note that teething stimulates the salivary glands to help cool and lubricate inflamed gums. While there is no direct scientific link between teething and diarrhea, many parents notice "runny poos." This is often attributed to the excessive swallowing of saliva, which can slightly upset a baby's digestive tract.

Important note: If the stool becomes watery or happens more than a few times a day, check in with your doctor.

4. When should I worry if no teeth appear?

Genetics play a huge role here. If you were a "late teether," your baby likely will be too. However, if your little one hasn't shown a single sprout by 14 to 15 months, it’s worth a visit to a pediatric dentist just to ensure everything is developing correctly under the surface.

5. How do I clean those tiny new teeth?

If they have a tooth, they can get a cavity. When their teeth first appear, you can use a clean, damp muslin cloth or a silicone finger brush to gently wipe the tooth and gums twice a day.

The Toothbrush Transition: Move to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush as more teeth emerge. Use a "smear" of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
Building Habits: Starting early desensitises your baby to the sensation of brushing, making your life much easier during the toddler years!

A happy baby with blue eyes getting their first teeth cleaned by a parent using a clear silicone finger toothbrush.

6. Should I give my baby frozen things to chew?

Cold (not frozen!) items are your best friend. A chilled washcloth or a refrigerated teething ring provides vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling and numbs the pain naturally. Avoid completely frozen rings, as they can be too hard and cause "frostbite" to delicate gum tissue.

7. Are teething gels safe?

When your baby is in pain, it’s tempting to reach for the first thing you see on the pharmacy shelf. However, understanding what is in those products - and how they work - is essential for making the safest choice for your little one.

Many over-the-counter teething gels contain lidocaine or benzocaine (local anesthetics). While these provide a numbing effect, they are increasingly discouraged by pediatricians and health authorities.

The concern is twofold:

Safety Risks: These ingredients can pose serious health risks to infants if swallowed in excess. Furthermore, numbing the back of a baby's throat can interfere with their natural swallowing reflex.
Short-lived Relief: The numbing effect is very brief and often washes away quickly with baby’s drool, making them less effective than many parents hope.

You can soothe your baby effectively without relying on harsh numbing agents. Many parents are switching to a more natural approach that supports the body’s own healing process:

BabyNature Teething Drops: This is a 100% natural, homeopathic solution. Unlike gels that try to numb the surface of the gum, these drops work internally to calm the nervous system, reduce gum inflammation, and ease the overall irritability that comes with a new tooth.
Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces: For centuries, Baltic amber has been used as a traditional remedy. When worn against the skin, the succinic acid from the beads helps ease discomfort and reduce inflammation naturally and continuously.

8. Are Baltic Amber necklaces safe for babies?

Safety is every parent’s top priority, and it’s ours too. When choosing Baltic Amber for teething, it’s not just about the quality of the amber, but the engineering of the jewelry. Here is how our necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are designed with your baby’s safety in mind:

What happens if the necklace breaks? Our jewelry features individually knotted beads. This means a hand-tied knot is placed on both sides of every single bead. If the string were to snap, only one tiny bead would fall off, rather than all of them, preventing a major choking hazard.
What if I don't want anything around my baby's neck? We offer amber anklets and bracelets as a great alternative. These can be tucked securely under a sock or a onesie, keeping the amber in direct contact with the skin while staying away from curious little hands and mouths.
How do I use them responsibly? To get the most out of the natural succinic acid while staying safe, amber should always be worn against the skin (not over clothes). Most importantly, always remove all jewelry - including anklets - before your baby goes to sleep or is left unattended.

Our last word of advice to you is to remember that teething is a season, not a lifetime! Before you know it, that gummy grin will be a full set of pearly whites. In the meantime, plenty of cuddles, a few cold washcloths, and natural support will get you both through the night.

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